Nitrogen trifluoride

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Description of first aid measures:

- Inhalation: Remove victim to uncontaminated area wearing self contained breathing apparatus. Keep victim warm and rested. Call a doctor. Apply artificial respiration if breathing stopped.

- Skin contact: For liquid spillage - flush with water for at least 15 minutes. In case of frostbite spray with water for at least 15 minutes. Apply a sterile dressing. Obtain medical assistance.

- Eye contact: Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical assistance.

Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed:

Delayed adverse effects possible - Prolonged or repeated exposure may effect the RBC and heamoglobin.

Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed:

Obtain medical assistance.

Fire-fighting measures

Extinguishing media:

Suitable extinguishing media: Water spray or fog. Carbon dioxide.

Unsuitable extinguishing media: Do not use water jet to extinguish. Dry powder.

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture:

Specific hazards: Exposure to fire may cause containers to rupture/explode. Supports combustion.

Hazardous combustion products: If involved in a fire the following toxic and/or corrosive fumes may be produced by thermal decomposition: Nitric oxide/nitrogen dioxide. Hydrogen fluoride.

Advice for fire-fighters:

Specific methods: Use fire control measures appropriate for the surrounding fire. Exposure to fire and heat radiation may cause gas receptacles to rupture. Cool endangered receptacles with water spray jet from a protected position. Prevent water used in emergency cases from entering sewers and drainage systems. If possible, stop flow of product. Use water spray or fog to knock down fire fumes if possible.

Special protective equipment for fire fighters: Standard EN 137 - Self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus with full face mask. Standard protective clothing and equipment (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) for fire fighters. Standard EN 469 - Protective clothing for firefighters. Standard - EN 659: Protective gloves for firefighters.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures:

Try to stop release. Evacuate area. Eliminate ignition sources.

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus when entering area unless atmosphere is proved to be safe. Monitor concentration of released product.

Ensure adequate air ventilation.

Prevent from entering sewers, basements and workpits, or any place where its accumulation can be dangerous.

Environmental precautions: Try to stop release.

Methods and material for containment and cleaning up: Ventilate area.

Handling and storage

Safe use of the  product:

Consider pressure relief device(s) in gas installations.

Only experienced and properly instructed persons should handle gases under pressure.

The substance must be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety procedures.

Use only properly specified equipment which is suitable for this product, its supply pressure and temperature. Contact your gas supplier if in doubt.

“Refer to the EIGA code of practice Doc.92 “Code of practice Nitrogen trifluoride” for more guidance on safe use, downloadable at http://www.eiga.org.,  if necessary, consult your supplier.

Keep away from ignition sources (including static discharges).

Use no oil or grease.

Do not smoke while handling product.

Keep equipment free from oil and grease.

Ensure the complete gas system was (or is regularily) checked for leaks before  use.

Avoid suck back of water, acid and alkalis.

Safe handling of the gas  receptacle : Refer to supplier's container handling instructions.

Open valve slowly to avoid pressure shock.

Do not allow backfeed into the container.

Protect cylinders from physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide or drop.

When moving cylinders, even for short distances, use a cart (trolley, hand truck, etc.) designed to transport cylinders.

Leave valve protection caps in place until the container has been secured against either a  wall or bench or placed in a container stand and is ready for use.

If user experiences any difficulty operating cylinder valve discontinue use and contact supplier. Never attempt to repair or modify container valves or safety relief devices. Damaged valves should be reported immediately to the supplier. Keep container valve outlets clean and free from contaminants particularly oil and water. Replace valve outlet caps or plugs and container caps where supplied as soon as container is disconnected from equipment. Close container valve after each use and when empty, even if still connected to equipment. Never attempt to transfer gases from one cylinder/container to another. Never use direct flame or electrical heating devices to raise the pressure of a container. Do not remove or deface labels provided by the supplier for the identification of the cylinder contents.

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:

Keep container below 50°C in a well ventilated place.

Segregate from flammable gases and other flammable materials in store.

Containers should be stored in the vertical position and properly secured to prevent toppling.

Stored containers should be periodically checked for general condition and leakage. Container valve guards or caps should be in place. Store

containers in location  free from fire risk and away from sources of heat and ignition.

Observe all regulations and local requirements regarding storage of containers.

Containers should not be stored in conditions likely to encourage corrosion. Keep away from combustible materials.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

2451

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Nitrogen Trifluoride

Language:

English

Labels:

2.2: Non flammable, non toxic gas
5.1: Oxidising substances

SpecialProvisions

Shipping

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

2451

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Nitrogen Trifluoride

Labels:

2.2: Non flammable, non toxic gas
5.1: Oxidising substances

Remarks

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

2451

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Nitrogen Trifluoride

Labels:

Not applicable

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

Passenger and Cargo Aircraft : Allowed.
Cargo Aircraft only : Allowed.

Additional transport information

Additional information

Special provisions / remarks / other:

Avoid transport on vehicles where the load space is not separated from the driver's compartment.
Ensure vehicle driver is aware of the potential hazards of the load and knows what to do in the event of an accident or an emergency.
Before transporting product containers:
- Ensure that containers are firmly secured.
- Ensure cylinder valve is closed and not leaking.
- Ensure valve outlet cap nut or plug (where provided) is correctly fitted.
- Ensure valve protection device (where provided) is correctly fitted.
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation.

Exposure controls / personal protection

Occupational Exposure Limits - Nitrogen trifluoride:

TLV© -TWA [ppm] : 10

VME - France [mg/m³] : 30

VME - France [ppm] : 10

VLA-ED - Spain [ppm] : 10

VLA-ED - Spain [mg/m3] : 30

HTP-värden FI/SVE - 15min - [ppm] : 10

HTP-värden FI/SVE - 15min - [mg/m³] : 29

Grenseverdi (NO) 8 timers [ppm] : 10

Grenseverdi (NO) 8 timers [mg/m³] : 29

TWA IS 8h [mg/m3] : 29

VME-CH [mg/m3] : 30

TLV-TWA (Belgium) (ppm) : 10

TWA BE 8h [mg/m3] : 29

TWA GR 8h [ppm] : 10

TWA GR 8h [mg/m³] : 30

STEL GR 15min [ppm] : 15

STEL GR 15min [mg/m³] : 45

TWA-POR 8h [ppm] : 10

Appropriate engineering controls:

Product to be handled in a closed system.

Systems under pressure shoud be regularily checked for leakages.

Alarm detectors should be used when toxic gases may be released.

Ensure exposure is below occupational exposure limits (where available).

Provide adequate general and local exhaust ventilation.

Consider work permit system e.g. for maintenance activities.

Individual protection:

A risk assessment should be conducted and documented in each work area to assess the measures, e.g. personal protective risks related to the use of the product and to select the PPE that matches the relevant risk.

The following recommendations should be considered:

PPE compliant to the recommended EN/ISO standards should be selected.

- Eye/face protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields. Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when transfilling or breaking transfer connections. Standard EN 166 - Personal eye-protection.

- Skin protection: Wear working gloves when handling gas containers. Standard EN 388 - Protective gloves against mechanical risk.

Wear safety shoes while handling containers. Standard  EN ISO 20345 - Personal protective equipment - Safety footwear.

Consider the  use of flame resistant safety clothing. Standard EN ISO 14116 - Limited flame spread materials.

- Respiratory protection: Keep self contained breathing apparatus readily available for emergency use.

Standard EN 137 - Self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus with full face mask.

Self contained breathing apparatus is recommended, where unknown exposure may be expected, e.g. during  maintenance activities on installation systems.

Thermal hazards:

None necessary.

Stability and reactivity

Reactivity:

No reactivity hazard other than the effects described in sub-sections below.

Chemical stability:

Stable under normal conditions.

Possibility of hazardous reactions:

Violently oxidises organic material.

Conditions to avoid:

None under recommended storage and handling conditions.

Heat.

Incompatible materials:

May react violently with combustible materials.

May react violently with reducing agents.

For additional information on compatibility refer to ISO 11114 (always refer to latest version).

Hazardous decomposition products:

Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous decomposition products should not be produced.

Disposal considerations

Avoid discharge to atmosphere.

Do not discharge into any place where its accumulation could be dangerous.

Refer to the EIGA code of practice Doc.30 “Disposal of Gases"", downloadable at http://www.eiga.org for more guidance on suitable disposal

methods (always refer to latest version).

Ensure that the emission levels from local regulations or operating permits are not exceeded.

Consult supplier for specific recommendations.

List of hazardous wastes : 16 05 04: Gases in pressure containers (including halons) containing dangerous substances

(always refer to latest version).